New Orleans Saints vs Seahawks Match Player Stats
The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans Saints vs Seahawks Match Player Stats
Football fans everywhere know that when the Big Easy meets the Emerald City, sparks fly on the gridiron. The rivalry between these two iconic franchises is built on a foundation of grit, loud stadiums, and legendary individual performances. Whether it is the deafening roar of the 12s in Seattle or the rhythmic energy of the Superdome, these games always deliver. Understanding the new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats is about more than just numbers on a screen. It is about seeing the story of two teams fighting for dominance in the NFC.
In recent matchups, we have seen a fascinating shift in how these teams approach the game. The Saints have transitioned from the high-flying aerial circus of the past into a more balanced, physical unit. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have embraced a modern, explosive offensive style that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night. These statistical battles are won in the trenches and through the air, often coming down to a single play. By looking closely at the player data, we can see exactly who stepped up when the lights were brightest and the pressure was at its peak.
This deep dive will take you through every meaningful metric from their most recent clashes. We will explore how quarterbacks managed the pocket, which running backs found the gaps, and which defenders locked down the secondary. If you want to know how these teams stack up in terms of efficiency, explosive plays, and red-zone success, you are in the right place. Let’s break down the performances that define this incredible NFL matchup and see what the data tells us about these two legendary programs.
Quarterback Performance: The Battle for Efficiency
When we look at the new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats for the quarterbacks, the contrast in styles is immediate. In the most recent meeting, the Seahawks’ passing attack was led by a relentless pursuit of the deep ball. Their signal-caller displayed incredible poise, finishing with a passer rating that eclipsed the 150 mark. This level of efficiency is rare in the NFL, especially against a disciplined Saints secondary. With 218 passing yards and two touchdowns on just 18 attempts, the Seattle offense maximized every single dropback to keep the chains moving.
On the other side, the Saints’ quarterback room faced a much tougher climb against a swarming Seattle defense. Spencer Rattler took the bulk of the snaps, showing flashes of the mobility and arm talent that made him a high-profile prospect. He completed 28 of his 39 passes, showcasing a short-to-intermediate game that aimed to control the clock. However, the lack of big plays proved costly, as he averaged only 5.3 yards per attempt. While his 216 total yards look similar to the Seahawks’ total on paper, the underlying efficiency tells a very different story of the game.
The real difference-maker was the ability to protect the football and convert in the red zone. Seattle’s offense was flawless in terms of turnovers, giving their defense plenty of room to breathe. Conversely, the Saints struggled with a key interception that halted a promising drive deep in enemy territory. In the NFL, player stats are often a reflection of game script. Because the Seahawks jumped out to an early lead, they could afford to be selective. The Saints were forced to throw into heavy coverage, which ultimately skewed their completion percentages and yardage totals.
Rushing Attack: Grinding Out the Hard Yards
The ground game is often where the soul of a football game is found, and this matchup was no different. In the realm of new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats, Kenneth Walker III emerged as a dominant force for Seattle. He didn’t just run for 1027 yards over the season; in this specific game, he was the heartbeat of the offense. By finding the end zone twice and leaping over defenders with ease, he proved why he is considered one of the most dynamic backs in the league. His ability to gain yards after contact kept the Saints’ defense on their heels all afternoon.
The Saints countered with their own legendary playmaker, Alvin Kamara. Kamara has long been the gold standard for versatile running backs, and his stats in this series reflect his unique skill set. In their Week 3 clash, he handled 54 snaps and was a constant threat both as a runner and a receiver. While the rushing lanes were often clogged by a stout Seattle front, Kamara’s vision allowed him to salvage positive yardage where other backs might have folded. He remains the focal point of the Saints’ offensive identity, demanding defensive attention on every single snap.
Looking at the team totals, the Seahawks were much more efficient on a per-carry basis. They averaged over 4 yards per rush as a unit, compared to the Saints’ 3.0 average. This discrepancy allowed Seattle to maintain manageable third-down situations, which is a recipe for success in any stadium. The Saints tried to establish the run early with multiple players, including Kendre Miller and Taysom Hill, but the Seahawks’ interior line remained a brick wall. This battle in the trenches dictated the tempo of the entire game and limited New Orleans’ options.
Receiving Corps: Who Won the Perimeter?
The wide receiver battle in the new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats was highlighted by an incredible breakout performance from Tory Horton. As a rookie, Horton etched his name into the franchise record books with a 95-yard punt return touchdown that blew the game wide open. But he wasn’t just a special teams star; he also hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass to further cement his impact. Alongside him, Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his rise to stardom, catching a 12-yard score and acting as a reliable safety valve for his quarterback throughout the game.
New Orleans relied heavily on Chris Olave, who remains one of the cleanest route runners in professional football. Olave’s stats showed a high volume of targets, as he snagged several crucial catches to move the sticks. However, the Seattle secondary did an excellent job of “clamping” the top of the route, preventing Olave from breaking loose for the explosive scores the Saints desperately needed. Juwan Johnson also played a significant role, using his frame to shield defenders and provide a big target in the middle of the field for Spencer Rattler.
One of the most interesting aspects of the receiving stats was the distribution of targets. Seattle was highly concentrated, leaning on their top playmakers to deliver big results on fewer targets. The Saints, perhaps by necessity, spread the ball around more frequently. This led to a more balanced stat sheet for New Orleans but lacked the “knockout punch” that Seattle’s receivers provided. When you look at the yards per reception, the Seahawks’ ability to create space after the catch was the deciding factor in why their passing game felt so much more dangerous.
Defensive Standouts: The Art of the Stop
Defense wins championships, and in this specific matchup, the Seattle defense looked like a championship-caliber unit. The new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats for the defensive side are dominated by names like Byron Murphy II and Derion Kendrick. Murphy was a nightmare for the Saints’ offensive line, recorded a massive sack that stalled a critical New Orleans drive. His power and quickness in the interior forced the Saints to double-team him, which opened up lanes for the Seahawks’ linebackers to fly through and make tackles near the line of scrimmage.
The Saints’ defense, led by the evergreen Demario Davis, played with a lot of heart despite the lopsided score. Davis is a tackling machine, and his stats in this game proved he hasn’t lost a step even in the later stages of his career. He was consistently in the right place at the right time, filling gaps and directing his teammates. Alongside him, Alontae Taylor showed why he is a rising star in the secondary, recording multiple pass deflections and playing physical man-to-man coverage. The Saints’ defense actually held their own for long stretches, but they were often put in bad positions.
The turning point for the defensive stats came in the turnover department. Derion Kendrick’s interception was a masterpiece of film study and timing. He baited the quarterback into a throw he shouldn’t have made and snatched the ball away, effectively ending any hope of a New Orleans comeback. When you compare the two units, Seattle’s ability to generate “Havoc Plays”—sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles—was the clear edge. They didn’t just stop the Saints; they took the ball away and gave their offense short fields to work with.
Special Teams: The Hidden Game-Changer
Often overlooked in basic box scores, special teams stats played a massive role in the outcome of the Saints and Seahawks games. In their most recent meeting, the special teams unit for Seattle was arguably the most productive group on the field. Beyond Tory Horton’s record-breaking punt return, the Seahawks’ kicker, Jason Myers, was perfect on the day. He nailed field goals from 56, 46, and 37 yards, proving that he is one of the most reliable legs in the business. These points added up quickly, making it impossible for New Orleans to keep pace.
The Saints’ special teams had a much rougher outing. While kicker Blake Grupe was accurate on his shorter attempts, the punting unit struggled to flip the field. Kai Kroeger had one of his punts blocked by Seattle’s D’Anthony Bell, which led directly to a Seahawks touchdown. In a game of inches, a blocked punt is a catastrophic statistical event. It not only costs yardage but also shifts the entire emotional momentum of the game. The Saints will need to shore up these protection issues if they want to improve their standing in future matchups.
When we look at the new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats for returns, the gap is wide. Seattle averaged significantly more yards per return, giving them better starting field position on almost every drive. This “hidden yardage” is a major reason why the Seahawks’ offense appeared to move so effortlessly. They weren’t starting from their own 20-yard line; they were frequently starting near midfield. For a young quarterback like Sam Darnold, having that shorter field is a luxury that leads directly to higher confidence and better scoring efficiency.
Complete Match Stats Detail Table
To give you a clear picture of how the players performed, we have compiled the essential data into this easy-to-read table. These numbers represent the core of the new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats from their high-stakes encounter.
| Category | Top Performer (Saints) | Stats | Top Performer (Seahawks) | Stats |
| Passing | Spencer Rattler | 216 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT | Sam Darnold | 218 Yds, 2 TD, 0 INT |
| Rushing | Alvin Kamara | 80 Yds, 3.0 Avg | Kenneth Walker III | 86 Yds, 2 TD |
| Receiving | Chris Olave | 62 Yds, 5 Rec | J. Smith-Njigba | 86 Yds, 1 TD |
| Tackles | Demario Davis | 10 Total Tackles | Ernest Jones | 9 Total Tackles |
| Sacks | Carl Granderson | 1.0 Sack | Byron Murphy II | 1.0 Sack |
| Interceptions | N/A | 0 INT | Derion Kendrick | 1 INT |
| Field Goals | Blake Grupe | 2/2 (Long 27) | Jason Myers | 3/3 (Long 56) |
| Return TD | N/A | 0 TD | Tory Horton | 1 TD (95 Yds) |
Key Takeaways: Lessons from the Data
The biggest lesson from the new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats is that efficiency beats volume every time. The Saints had more plays, more first downs, and more time of possession, yet they lost by over 30 points. This happens when your opponent scores on explosive plays and special teams while you grind out long drives that end in field goals or turnovers. Seattle’s “quality over quantity” approach allowed them to dominate the scoreboard without needing to stay on the field for 40 minutes.
Another major takeaway is the importance of the rookie class. For the Seahawks, players like Tory Horton and Byron Murphy II weren’t just “rookie depth”—they were the primary reasons the team won. In the modern NFL, getting high-level production from players on rookie contracts is the fastest way to build a winning roster. The Saints have some talent in their young ranks, but they didn’t have the same level of game-changing impact from their newcomers in this specific matchup.
Finally, we have to look at the “Clutch Factor.” When the game was still close in the second quarter, Seattle’s veterans and stars made the big plays. Kenneth Walker’s hurdle and touchdown run showed a level of athletic dominance that demoralizes a defense. Jason Myers’ 56-yard field goal took away any momentum the Saints had built from a previous stop. Statistics tell us what happened, but the timing of these stats tells us why it happened. Seattle won the moments that mattered most.
Historical Context: A Rivalry of Greatness
To truly appreciate the new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats, we have to look back at the history between these two teams. The Saints actually lead the regular-season series 10-7, showing that they have historically had the upper hand in standard matchups. However, the playoffs are a different story. Seattle has won both of their postseason meetings, including the legendary “Beast Quake” game where Marshawn Lynch broke several tackles on a run that literally shook the earth. These moments are etched into the stats and the memories of every fan.
The rivalry has also seen some of the greatest quarterbacks in history face off. Drew Brees and Russell Wilson traded blows for years, often putting up massive yardage totals. Brees once threw for over 400 yards in a playoff game against Seattle, while Wilson frequently used his legs to extend plays and frustrate the Saints’ pass rush. The current era of player stats may look different, with different names under center, but the intensity remains exactly the same. Every time these teams meet, they are adding to a rich tapestry of NFL history.
Looking forward, the stats suggest that both teams are in a state of transition. The Seahawks are building a defensive identity under new coaching, while the Saints are searching for the next great offensive leader to fill the void left by their legends. As these rosters evolve, the player stats will continue to be the primary way we measure their progress. Whether it’s a random Sunday in September or a high-stakes playoff game in January, the Saints and Seahawks will always provide a statistical feast for football junkies.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
1. Who has the most rushing yards in a single game between these teams?
Historically, players like Alvin Kamara and Marshawn Lynch have dominated this category. Taysom Hill once ran for 112 yards and three touchdowns against Seattle in 2022, marking one of the most unique stat lines in the rivalry’s history.
2. How many times have the Saints and Seahawks met in the playoffs?
They have met twice in the postseason. The Seahawks won both games, including the 2010 Wild Card game and the 2013 Divisional round. These games are famous for their high energy and physical defensive play.
3. Which quarterback holds the record for passing yards in this matchup?
Drew Brees holds the record, having thrown for 404 yards in the 2010 NFC Wild Card Playoff. Despite his massive yardage total, the Saints were unable to secure the victory in that specific game.
4. Is special teams usually a deciding factor in these games?
Yes, as seen in the 2025 matchup, special teams can account for a significant portion of the scoring. Punt returns, blocked punts, and long field goals have historically swung the momentum in favor of the Seahawks.
5. What is the average score when these two teams play?
While scores vary, the games are often high-scoring affairs. In recent years, the average score has hovered around 24-21, though blowout games like the 44-13 Seahawks win in 2025 do occasionally occur.
6. Who is the current defensive leader for the Saints?
Demario Davis remains the heart and soul of the Saints’ defense. His tackling stats and leadership on the field make him the primary focus for any opposing offense trying to prepare for New Orleans.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The new orleans saints vs seahawks match player stats reveal a fascinating picture of two teams at different points in their journey. Seattle has embraced an explosive, high-efficiency model that utilizes every phase of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—to overwhelm their opponents. The Saints, while talented and gritty, are still looking for the consistent playmaking ability needed to keep up with the elite teams in the NFC. However, with stars like Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara, the foundation for a comeback is certainly there.
For fans, these stats are a reminder of why we love the game. They show the individual effort of a rookie returner sprinting 95 yards for a score and the veteran linebacker recording double-digit tackles through sheer will. As we look toward future matchups, we can expect these numbers to continue evolving. New stars will emerge, new records will be broken, and the rivalry between the Saints and the Seahawks will continue to be one of the most compelling stories in the NFL.